You can encounter a gamut of topological variations in the Annapurna Circuit trek within the duration of a normal trek. Aptly titled as the Nepal’s classic trek the Annapurna trek displays the divergent landscape ranging from the sub-tropical region to the alpine region and the semi-desert region.
The Annapurna Circuit trek is demanding even for a seasoned trekker but it is an exceptional introduction to walking in Nepal for those who are physically fit. This lodge based trek offers you magnificent vistas of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges and the opportunity to observe at close quarters the lifestyle and cultures of the different tribes of Nepal.
Trip
Hightlights:
Duration:
25
Days
Type of Trek :
Tea House (Lodge) / Camping
Max Altitude:
5416 m.
Minimum Pax:
1 +
Mode of travel:
Land Transportation
Grade:
Moderate
Outline Itinerary
Day
1
Arrive in Kathmandu International Airport. Transfer to the hotel and stay overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.
Day
2
City sightseeing in and around Kathmandu valley. (Kathmandu, Bhaktapur & Patan). Stay overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.
Day
3
Drive from Kathmandu to
Besisahar (823m.) takes about six hours.
You drive along the Kathmandu-Pokhara Highway
to Dumre and then follow the narrow and
paved road by the Marshyangdi River to
Beshisahar, the district headquarters of
Lamjung district. All the local government
offices are situated here. From here, you
can see some of mountain peaks, natural
sceneries surrounding the valley and the
daily activities of local people. This
headquarter is the centre from where the
daily usable commodities are supplied to
the different villages and numerous towns.
Stay overnight at lodge in Besisahar.
Day
4
Trek from Beshishahar
to Bahundanda (1305m.) takes about six
hours. The first part of the trail passes
through flat level along the bank of the
Marshyangdi River. You can enjoy the sceneries
and the local culture of Gurung community.
After lunch the trail goes steeply upwards
to Bahundanda which takes about 2 hours.
At this point, you can see the area surrounded
by eye-catching scenarios with snow -capped
mountains. Stay overnight at lodge in Bahundanda.
Day
5
Trek from Bahundanda to
Chamje (1410m.) takes about six hours.
A steep trail descends for early half an
hour and then follows flat path through
rice terraces before crossing a stream
at the bottom of a small waterfalls. It
then climbs again and traverses the hillside
high above the river before reaching the
village of Lali Gaon. Ahead the Marshyangdi
valley forms a steep V-shape and you follow
the winding mountain path down through
Syange (1100m.) where there is a beautiful
waterfall above it and along the river
for some distance. The trail then climbs
steeply and the path is cut into the sheer
cliff-face some 200-300m above the riverbed.
Eventually you descend to the stone village
of Jagat (1330m.) situated on a shelf which
juts into the precipitous Marshyangdi valley.
Now the trail begins to observe small ups
and downs to Chamje through the forests.
Stay overnight at lodge in Chamje.
Day
6
Trek from Chamje (1410m.)
to Dharapani (1960m.) takes about six hours.
The first part of the trail descends to
the river and after crossing a suspension
bridge, you begin a climb to Sattale (1550m.)
on a path so steep that it seems one slip
would send you hurtling down into the valley.
You continue on an undulating path above
the river, and at one point, where a tributary
flows in from the opposite bank, the main
river becomes covered with huge boulders
that hide the water. Climbing the zigzag
path to the top of the hill, we see the
level, plain of Tal (1700m.) before us.
Though it is enclosed by cliffs, the level
area looks reassuring after the harrowing
mountain paths just traveled on. You descend
to a grassy riverbank which leads to Tal
with its hotels and teahouses. Here you
can enjoy the exhilarating waterfalls .Beyond
Tal, the valley narrows and the path becomes
high and winding and in several areas hewn
from the rock itself. Beyond the small
village of Karte (1900m.), there is a bit
more cliff-walking before the path drops
again to the river. You cross a suspension
bridge and climb the short distance to
the stone mani marking the entrance to
Dharapani (1960m.), and our camp for the
night. Stay overnight at lodge in Dharapani.
Day
7
Trek from Dharapani to
Chame (2675m.) takes about five and half
hours. As you cut through a narrow field
from the village, the Dudh Khola, which
originates from the south face of Manaslu,
enters on the opposite bank. The Marshyangdi
then veers to the left and as Annapurna
II becomes visible ahead, you arrive at
Bagarchhap, a Bhote village with prayer
flags fluttering in the breeze around Buddhist
monastery. Continuing to climb through
forests of pine and oak, you pass through
Danaque (2210m.). There comes a small wooden
bridge which takes you to follow steep
ascent path up to Timang. It lies at the
bottom of Lamajung Himal. The trail goes
through flat level until you reach Chame
where there are government offices, shops
and hotels. Chame is the administrative
headquarters for the Manang district. Stay
overnight at lodge in Chame.
Day
8
Trek from Chame to Pisang
(3100m.) takes about five hours. With Lamjung
Himal (6893m) sparkling in the morning
sun, you set off for Pisang. The mountain
disappears as you climb the path up the
valley, passing a huge apple orchard. You
continue through a fir and pine forest,
climbing to a high, rocky area as the opposite
bank becomes an impassable cliff. From
this point the valley becomes extremely
steep-sided as you follow the path to Bhratang
(2950m.).In the past this was the military
station for troops who fought against the
Khampa tribal revolution, but the dilapidated
buildings are all that remains of that
era. A short climb from the village brings
you to a rock-strewn area where you cross
a wooden bridge and follow a high, winding
path, before crossing back to the right
bank again. You now walk through a pine
forest and as the forest ends, the valley
changes from a V-shape to a gentle U-shape,
opening up a wonderful vista before us.
You can see the east peak of Annapurna
II as well as Pisang Peak (6091m.) to the
north-east. Continuing on, you come to
a long mani wall by a bridge and the lower
village of Pisang. Stay overnight at lodge
in Pisang.
Day
9
Trek from Pisang to Manang (3440m.) takes
about five and half hours. Beyond Pisang,
the trail climbs a steep ridge which affords
good views of the Manang valley and Tilicho
peak (7145m.). Descending past Manang's
airstrip at Hungde (3320m.), you come to
a level area from where the north-east
face of Annapurna III rises majestically
above you. From the wide plains of the
Sabje Khola Valley, Annapurna IV (7525m.)
also becomes visible. Just beyond this
point you cross the considerably reduced
flow of the Marshyangdi Khola via a wooden
bridge to the tiny village of Mungji. Cultivated
fields appear on both sides of the path
and off to the right, below a craggy mountain,
you can see the village of Bryaga with
its splendid monastery. Large chortens
and mani walls abound and the tall peaks
of the Himalaya spread out before us -
Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna
IV, Gangapurna (7455m.) and to the rear,
Tilicho Peak (7145m.).
After a short steep climb you reach Manang which is a surprisingly large village
for this remote mountain region. You camp here for the night amidst the fluttering
prayer flags which adorn the houses. Stay overnight at lodge in Manang.
Day
10
Rest day at Manang and
hang in and around town. This is an important
rest and acclimatization day today before
crossing the Thorung La. There are optional
day walks such as crossing the river to
see the tremendous icefall coming down
from the Annapurnas, or climbing high above
the village for a full panorama of the
Annapurna range and the Manang Valley.
There is also a Himalayan Rescue Association
(HRA) aid post in the village which makes
an interesting and educational visit. Moreover,
you can visit Ganagapurna Glacier Lake
to make your rest day a memorable one.
Stay overnight at lodge in Manang.
Day
11
Trek from Manang to
Yak Kharka (4350m.) takes about three and
half hours. Now the trail ascends gently
all the way to Yak Kharka passing through
the Gunsang (3960m.) village. En route,
you can see panoramic views all the day.
Stay overnight at lodge in Yak Kharka.
Day
12
Trek from Yak Kharka
to Thorong Phedi (4420m.) takes about 3
and half hours. Leaving Yak Kharka, you
climb gradually to a ridge before descending
to the headwaters of the Marshyangdi and
crossing via a covered wooden bridge. After
a short ascent up the mountain path on
the right bank, you follow a narrow trail
across an unstable spree slope and then
descend to Thorung Phedi. Stay overnight
at lodge in Thorong Phedi.
Day 13
Trek from Thorong Phedi
to Muktinath (3850m.) via Thorong La (5416m.)
Pass takes about seven hours. You start
early today for your crossing of Thorung
La [5416m]. The trail becomes steep immediately
on leaving camp but as this trail has been
used by local people for hundreds of years
the path is well defined. The gradient
then eases and after around 4 hours of
steady climbing you reaches the chorten
and prayer flags of the pass. The views
are dramatic to say the least, from the
snow-covered mountains above, to the head
of the Kali Gandaki valley below and the
brown and purple hills of Mustang which
are spread out before us. The descent to
Muktinath is a knee pounding 1600m but
it's compensated for with excellent views
of Dhaulagiri. Eventually the moraines
give way to grassy slopes before a pleasant
walk along the Jhong Khola Valley to Muktinath
and its shrines and temple. Stay overnight
at lodge in Muktinath.
Day 14
Trek Muktinath to Marpha
(2667m.) takes about approximately six
hours. You now begin the descent down the
dramatic Kali Gandaki Gorge, initially
through arid country in the same geographical
and climatic zone as Tibet. After passing
through Jharkot and Khingar villages with
typical Tibetan architecture, you follow
the valley floor most of the way to Jomsom
which is sprawled along both banks of the
Kali Gandaki .From here there are fine
views of the Nilgiri peaks. You continue
walk down to Marpha, a delightful Thakali
village, complete with a drainage system
beneath the flagstone streets. Its narrow
alleys and passageways provide welcome
shelter from the strong winds of the Kali
Gandaki Gorge.Marpha is particularly well
known for its apples, apple cider and apple,
apricot and peach rakshi. Stay overnight
at lodge in Marpha.
Day 15
Trek from Marpha to
Ghasa (2013m.) takes about six hours. Your
trail descends steeply through forests
to Ghasa, the last Thakali village and
the southern-most limit of Tibetan Buddhism.
The beginning part of the trail is stretched
at almost flat level up to Kalopani and
then your trail begins descending steeply
to Ghasa. The first part of the trek passes
through the windy area covered with pine
forests, rhododendron forests and birches
.The surrounding area of Ghasa is famous
destination for bird watching and wild
Marijuana. Here you are quite amazed at
the panoramic view of Mount Nilgiri North
(7061m.), Nilgiri Central (6940m.), and
Nilgiri South (6839m.), Annapurna I (8091m.),
Dhaulagiri I (8167m.) and Tukuche peak
(6920m.) Stay overnight at lodge in Ghasa.
Day 16
Trek from Ghasa to Tatopani
(1189 m.) takes about five hours. The trail
descends steeply up to Rukse Chhahara (Rukse
Waterfalls) which is amazing to look at.
There is situated the deepest gorge of
the world between two mountains Annapurna
I (8091m.) and Dhaulagiri I (8167m.) facing
each other near Rukse Waterfalls. Now,
the trail ascends slightly to Tatopani
through different human settlements. You
can enjoy the hot spring at Tatopani as
the word Tatopani is termed after the natural
hot spring situated at the bank of the
Kali Gandaki River. It is popularly believed
that taking bath in Hot Spring helps you
to get rid of skin diseases. Along this,
it gives you physical and mental refreshment
as well. Stay overnight at lodge in Tatopani.
Day 17
A rest day at Tatopani
to enjoy the natural hot spring bath. It
is believed that one who takes bath get
rids of skin diseases. After several days
of trekking, it is a great idea to take
bath at hot spring and relax. Stay overnight
at lodge.
Day 18
Trek
from Tatopani to Ghorepani (2853 m.) for
about seven hours. Your trail passes through
flat level of the land at some distance.
Then the trail begins ascending steeply
for at least one hour. Now path goes up
through different villages inhabited by
the people of different caste and agricultural
land. The majority of the people here serve
Gorkha Regiment and Indian Regiment as
well. While trekking you cross through
the Kali Gandaki River with panormic view
of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges.
The trail ascends gently all the way to Ghorepani passing through small villages
like Phalate, Chitre and so on. While trekking you pass through rhododendron
forests and come across the wild life such as monkeys and birds of various species.
You are accompanied by more panoramic views of different mountains. Ghorepani
(Watering to Horse) are a small pass and the village of Deurali. Although there
is time enough to continue, it is better to stay here overnight so that we can
make the morning trip to Poon Hill (3180m.) for an outstanding panorama of Dhaulagiri
I,II,III, IV, Tukuche peak, Dhampus peak, Nilgiri ranges,Annapurna I, Bahra Sikhar
(Twelve peaks or renowned as French Fang),Annapurna South, Himchuli, Fishtail
and Mardi Himal. The view you can see from here is probably the best view in
the world. Not only this, Poon Hill is crowded by different visitors to enjoy
the sunrise and sunset view over the snow-capped mountain. Stay overnight at
lodge in Ghorepani.
Day 19
Trek from Ghorepani
to Poon Hill (3180m.) to Tadapani (2675m.)
takes about five and half hours. Early
morning trip to Poon Hill (3232m.) to enjoy
the sunrise view over Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m.),
Tukuche Peak (6920m.), Nilgiri (6940m.),
Varaha Shikhar (7847m.), Mt. Annapurna
I (8091m.), Annapurna South (7219m.), Annapurna
III (7855m.), Machhapuchhre (6993m.), Annapurna
IV (7525m.), Annapurna II (7937m.), Lamjung
Himal (6931m.) and other numerous snow-capped
mountain peaks. After breakfast trek Ghorepani
to Tadapani (2650 m.) through the deep
forests of rhododendrons, bamboos and oaks.
En route, you frequently see waterfalls,
rocks, wild animals, local birds and green
scenarios. Tadapani is a small village
surrounded by beautiful forests which grants
you a magnificent view of Annapurna South,
Hiunchuli, Fishtail and Annapurna II and
so on. Stay overnight at lodge in Tadapani.
Day
20
Trek from Tadapani (2675m.)
to Ghandruk (1950m.) takes about three
hours. It is very easy trek by descending
gently all the way through rhododendron,
oak and other kinds of dense forests. You
could hear different kinds of birds chirping
on the way. This is one of the popular
destinations for the birds' lovers. Ghandruk
is a big Gurung village. There is a handicraft
centre and Gurung museum. From this village
you could see good views of Annapurna South,
Hiunchuli, Gangapurna (7455m.), Annapurna
III (7755m.) and Fishtail. Stay overnight
at lodge in Ghandruk.
Day 21
Trek from Ghandruk (1950m.)
to Pothana (1990m.) takes about six hours.
First part of your trek is steeply down
following stone staircase to Kimbu (Bee
hive). Kimbu or Bee hive is located at
the elevation of 1200 meters on the bank
of Modi Khola. Now your trail steeply ascends
following the stone staircase up to Landruk.
The trail ascends gently for early two
hours and again ascends steeply for an
hour to Deurali (2150m.) passing through
Tolkha village (1850m.). From this point
you can see panoramic view of Dhaulagiri
I (8167m.), Annapurna South (7219m.), Hiunchuli
(6441m.), Fishtail (6997m.), Annapurna
III (7755m.), Annapurna IV (7525m.), Annapurna
II (7937m.) and Lamjung Himal (6930m.).
Now the rest of the trail descends gently
down to Dhampus passing through Pothana
village (1900m.). Stay overnight at lodge
in Pothana.
Day 22
Trek from Pothana to
Dhampus Phedi (1113m.) takes about four
hours. Your trail descends gradually for
at least an hour and follows gravelled
road for two hours and then steeply descends
to Phedi passing through Dhampus village,
paddy fields and forest protected by local
community. Upon your arrival at Dhampus
Phedi, you could take a vehicle to reach
Pokhara. Stay overnight at hotel in Pokhara.
Day 23
Drive from Pokhara to
Kathmandu by tourist mini bus that takes
about seven hours. While driving from Pokhara
to Kathmandu, you head up to Damauli,,
Dumre, Muglin and Kurintar where Nepal's
first Cable car is operated to reach to
Manakamana Temple. En route, you could
enjoy the mountain views, green sceneries,
rice terrace fields, vegetable fields and
people being engaged in their daily life
activities. From Naubishe you climb up
to Thankot, the gateway to capital city.
You can also fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu
which takes about 25 minutes. Stay overnight
at hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 24
Recreation & shopping day. Stay overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 25
Transfer to the Airport for final departure. (Fly out from Kathmandu).
